E80 System Upgrade

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum wavedweller,

Q1. I have read that I could use the E66066 Transducer Adapter Cable to connect my B744V directly to a A98. Is this true? Is this also true for a 9” Axiom?
A1. No, the ax8 MFDs cannot be mated to your DSM300 compatible transducer. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing how the currently installed transducer may be adapted to be mated to an Axiom RV MFD. In this case, an A80489 Axiom RV to DSM300 compatible Transducer Adapter would be used for Axiom RV MFDs which will only be interfaced to DSM300 compatible transducer. An A80485 Axiom DV to DSM300 compatible Transducer Adapter would be used for Axiom DV MFDs which will only be interfaced to DSM300 compatible transducers.

Q2. Do I need to, or should I, replace the RS125 with a GA150 or RS150?
A2. Should the RS125 be operational, then there would be no need to replace it. If replacing the RS125, then a RS150 or a GA150 may be used.

Q3. With my equipment configuration and connectivity needs, which is the best MFD for me, A98 or 9” Axiom?
Q3. As the ax8 MFDs cannot be mated to your DSM300 compatible transducer. An ax7 MFD would be recommended is selecting an a-Series MFD. The transducer would be adapted with an E66066 Transducer Adapter. If seeking the best price point, an ax7 MFD may be the best choice. If seeking the latest hardware, performance and longest period of for servicing and parts, then an Axiom MFD would be recommended.

Q4. With this configuration, what is the best way to integrate my equipment (I realize that it may be two connected networks)?
A4: Ethernet: The Axiom or ax7 MFDs, Quantum Radome, and SR150 would each be interfaced to the SeaTalkhs Network Switch.
- SeaTalkng: It would be recommended that the Data Master MFD, EM-100, and RS150 (if installed) be interfaced as spurs to a powered and properly terminated SeaTalkng backbone. Should the EM-100 not have a NMEA 2000 communications interface, then a 38400 BAUD NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 data bridging device (ex. Actisense NGW-1-ISO-AIS, etc.) may be used to interface the AIS transceiver to the SeaTalkng backbone.
- SeaTalk: The SeaTalkng backbone should include a SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter bridge data between the SeaTalk bus (ST6001, S3 SmartPilot, S100 Remote, RS125) and the SeaTalkng backbone
- NMEA 0183: The SeaTalkng backbone should include an E70196 VHF NMEA 0183 to STng Converter to supply the VHF radio with GPS data.